U.S. patent application number 13/865600 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for profile clamp.
This patent application is currently assigned to NORMA GERMANY GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is NORMA GERMANY GMBH. Invention is credited to Achim KAMP, Manfred KRUEGER, Stephan MANN.
Application Number | 20130291346 13/865600 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47996972 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130291346 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KRUEGER; Manfred ; et
al. |
November 7, 2013 |
PROFILE CLAMP
Abstract
Profile clamp has a base and flanks facing radially inwards. The
clamp utilizes a tensioning device that connects two ends of the
clamp band to one another. The clamp band has in a circumferential
direction at least a first part and a second part. The first part
has in at least one of its flanks a first connection geometry and
the second part in at least one of its flanks has a second
connection geometry. The first connection geometry and the second
connection geometry are engagable with one another.
Inventors: |
KRUEGER; Manfred;
(Buedingen, DE) ; MANN; Stephan; (Biebergemuend,
DE) ; KAMP; Achim; (Langenselbold, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NORMA GERMANY GMBH |
Maintal |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
NORMA GERMANY GMBH
Maintal
DE
|
Family ID: |
47996972 |
Appl. No.: |
13/865600 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/284 ;
29/525.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 33/04 20130101;
Y10T 29/49947 20150115; Y10T 24/1451 20150115; F01N 13/1805
20130101; F16L 23/08 20130101; F01N 2450/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/284 ;
29/525.01 |
International
Class: |
F16L 33/04 20060101
F16L033/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 2, 2012 |
DE |
10 2012 009 256.3 |
Claims
1. A profile clamp comprising: a first part having a base and
flanks; a second part having a base and flanks; a tensioning device
configured to connect ends of the first and second parts to one
another; a first connection geometry arranged on at least one of
the flanks of the first part; a second connection geometry arranged
on at least one of the flanks of the second part; and the first
connection geometry and the second connection geometry being
engagable with one another.
2. The profile clamp of claim 1, wherein each flank of the first
part comprises the first connection geometry and each flank of the
second part comprises the second connection geometry.
3. The profile clamp of claim 1, wherein the first connection
geometry has a configuration that is identical to the second
connection geometry.
4. The profile clamp of claim 1, wherein the base of the first part
and the base of the second part have ends that one of: bear against
one another when the clamp is in a mounted state; are spaced from
each other via have a gap; and are spaced apart by a gap that is no
more than a radial thickness of the base.
5. The profile clamp of claim 1, wherein the first and second
connection geometries are arranged only in said flanks.
6. The profile clamp of claim 1, wherein the first connection
geometry has a recess that opens radially outwardly so as to engage
with a portion of the second connection geometry.
7. The profile clamp of claim 6, wherein the first connection
geometry further comprises a projection facing radially outwardly
and being coupled to, in a circumferential direction, the
recess.
8. The profile clamp of claim 1, wherein the second connection
geometry has a recess that opens radially outwardly so as to engage
with a portion of the first connection geometry.
9. The profile clamp of claim 8, wherein the second connection
geometry further comprises a projection facing radially outwardly
and being coupled to, in a circumferential direction, the
recess.
10. The profile clamp of claim 1, wherein the tensioning device is
structured and arranged to allow radial movement of the first and
second parts by an amount that is sufficient to allow for
engagement between the first and second connection geometries.
11. The profile clamp of claim 1, wherein the ends of first and
second parts each comprise a bracket, and wherein the tensioning
device further comprises: a tensioning element that can extend
through the brackets; and a compression spring is arranged between
the brackets.
12. The profile clamp of claim 11, wherein the compression spring
is sized and configured to align the brackets with one another.
13. A method of connecting together two pipe ends comprising:
arranging the profile clamp of claim 1 over ends of the pipes;
engaging with one another the first and second connection
geometries; and tightening the profile clamp.
14. A profile clamp comprising: a first C-shaped clamping section
having a base and flanks; a second C-shaped clamping section having
a base and flanks; a tensioning element configured to connect ends
of the first and second parts to one another; a first connection
geometry arranged on at least one of the flanks of the first part
and being located on an opposite end of the first part; a second
connection geometry arranged on at least one of the flanks of the
second part and being located on an opposite end of the second
part; and the first connection geometry and the second connection
geometry being releasably engagable with one another.
15. The profile clamp of claim 14, wherein each flank of the first
part comprises the first connection geometry and each flank of the
second part comprises the second connection geometry.
16. The profile clamp of claim 14, wherein the first connection
geometry has a configuration that is identical to the second
connection geometry.
17. The profile clamp of claim 14, wherein the base of the first
part and the base of the second part have ends that one of: bear
against one another when the clamp is in a mounted state; are
spaced from each other via have a gap; and are spaced apart by a
gap that is no more than a radial thickness of the base.
18. The profile clamp of claim 14, wherein the first and second
connection geometries are arranged only in said flanks.
19. The profile clamp of claim 14, wherein the first connection
geometry has a recess that opens radially outwardly so as to engage
with a portion of the second connection geometry.
20. A method of connecting together two pipe ends comprising:
arranging the profile clamp of claim 14 over ends of the pipes;
engaging with one another the first and second connection
geometries; and tightening the profile clamp via the tensioning
element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 of German Patent Application No. 102012009256.3, filed
May 2, 2012, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a profile clamp utilizing a clamp
band, and which has a base and flanks facing radially inwards. A
tensioning device connects two ends of the clamp band to one
another. The clamp band has, in a circumferential direction, at
least a first part and a second part.
[0004] 2. Discussion of Background Information
[0005] An example of a profile clamp of this type is disclosed DE
198 00 283 C1 and serves to connect two pipes or pipe sections. The
two pipe sections have on their ends (which are to be connected)
flanges that protrude radially outwards. These flanges have on
their back sides (facing away from one another) sloped surfaces,
i.e., so-called conical or tapered surfaces. When the profile clamp
is tightened, the flanks act on the conical surfaces and push the
two pipe sections towards one another. When the profile clamp is
completely tightened, the two pipe sections bear against one
another with a predefined force. A connection of this type is also
referred to as a "coned flange connection".
[0006] In order to mount the profile clamp, it must be widened far
enough so that the flanks can be guided over the projections on the
pipe ends. For this purpose, the clamp band can, for example, be
bent open (if it is embodied as a continuous member) in a
circumferential direction between the tensioning device.
[0007] Another solution is suggested in DE 198 00 283 C1 (mentioned
above). Here, the clamp band is subdivided in a circumferential
direction into two parts. In order to connect the two parts, two
tensioning devices are utilized and are, for example, arranged in a
diametrically opposing manner.
[0008] This profile clamp has in principle proven itself. However,
care must be taken during the mounting to ensure that both
tensioning devices are activated in order to correctly mount the
profile clamp.
[0009] Another solution provides for the two parts of the clamp
band to be connected to one another by means of a joint. In this
type of joint, a hook on one part is hung into an accommodation
provided therefor on the other part. This requires, in the normal
case, a widening on the end of a part. The transition region is
thus interrupted and the clamp band cannot optimally cover the
projections or flanges of the pipes in this position. Lower axial
forces can be the result. Furthermore, the danger exists that,
during use, the joint becomes a weak point which can lead to
failure under corresponding stressing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention provides a solution to one or more of the
deficiencies noted above and allows for the mounting of a profile
clamp in a more simple manner.
[0011] Thus, the invention provides for a profile clamp of the type
described above except that the first part has in at least one of
its flanks a first connection geometry and the second part has in
at least one of its flanks a second connection geometry, wherein
the first connection geometry and the second connection geometry
are engagable with one another.
[0012] With this embodiment, one can more easily mount the profile
clamp.
[0013] Before mounting the clamp, the first part and the second
part need only be connected to one another by a tensioning device.
Apart from that, there is a gap between the two parts, such that
the two parts can be, for example, angled against one another in
order to guide them past the flanges on the pipe ends. Once the
parts of the profile clamp are located on the circumference of the
flanges, the first connection geometry and the second connection
geometry can be engaged with one another. For this purpose, the
first connection geometry and the second connection geometry are
preferably matched to one another, that is, the flanks of the first
part and of the second part form, in the region of the connection
geometries, a closed or virtually closed surface when the
connection geometries are engaged with one another. Once this
engagement has been produced or has occurred, the first part and
the second part are sufficiently connected to one another in order
to be able to accommodate the necessary tensile forces required
during a tightening of the tensioning device. Once the tension of
the profile clamp necessary for the connecting of the two pipes has
been produced, the engagement of the connection geometries can no
longer be released, because a movement required for this is no
longer possible. In an axial direction (in relation to the pipes
being connected), a movement of the two connection geometries
relative to one another is not possible, because the two flanks
(together with the projections on the pipe ends) prevent a movement
of this type. In another direction, a movement of the two
connection geometries relative to one another is likewise no longer
possible, because the tensioning device has reduced the diameter of
the profile clamp to a sufficient extent.
[0014] Preferably, the first part has, in its two flanks, a first
connection geometry and the second part has, in its two flanks, a
second connection geometry. Thus, a connection between the first
part and the second part is produced on both sides of the
projections of the pipe ends, which increases the transferable
tension forces. Also, the coned flange connection becomes stable to
an even better degree. Here, it is preferred that the connection
geometries in both flanks of each part be embodied identically. The
same movement is thus required for both flanks in order to engage
the first connection geometry and the second connection geometry
with one another. This further facilitates the mounting.
[0015] Preferably, when in a mounted state, the base of the first
part and the base of the second part bear against one another.
Alternatively, there can be, between the base of the first part and
the base of the second part, a gap formed which is maximally as
large as a radial thickness of the base. In this case, the
projections or coned flanges on the pipe ends are substantially
covered over the entire circumference, possibly with exception of a
region of the tensioning device. It can thus be ensured that, a
thermal impingement of the profile clamp (as in the case of a
profile clamp for an exhaust line of a motor vehicle with
combustion engine) is problems free. A small gap between the base
of the first part and the base of the second part would result in
no harm.
[0016] Preferably, the connection geometries are arranged
exclusively in the flanks. The base is thus continuously retained,
i.e., its integrity is maintained,--if the gap at the point of
impact between the first part and the second part in a mounted
clamp is disregarded. This further increases the possible tension
forces that can be applied or resisted and therefore also the
stability of the coned flange connection.
[0017] Preferably, the first connection geometry has a recess
opening radially outwards, with which the second connection
geometry is engagable. The second connection geometry therefore
need only be inserted into the first connection geometry from the
radial outside in order to produce an engagement. This is a
relatively simple step, which can be accomplished by a technician
without difficulty.
[0018] Here, it is preferred that a projection facing radially
outwards is attached in a circumferential direction to the recess
opening radially outwards. This projection can then enter into a
corresponding recess in the second connection geometry, such that a
positive fit or engagement between the flanks of the first part and
second part can be produced.
[0019] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the
second connection geometry has a recess opening radially inwards,
with which the first connection geometry is engagable. In this
case, the same applies as for the previously described embodiments,
with the difference that the movement must proceed in the opposite
direction in order to engage the two connection geometries with one
another. The second connection geometry is then simply hooked into
the first connection geometry from the radial outside.
[0020] Preferably, a projection facing radially inwards is attached
in a circumferential direction to the recess opening radially
inwards. This projection can then enter into a corresponding recess
on the first connection geometry.
[0021] Preferably, a tensioning device has in a radial direction an
allowance which is at least as large as a radial movement for the
production of the engagement between the two connection geometries.
If the two connection geometries are to be engaged with one
another, they are moved radially to one another. This radial
movement is possible because the tensioning device still allows
this movement before the final firm tightening of the profile
clamp.
[0022] Preferably, the tensioning device has on each end of the
clamp band a bracket, wherein a tensioning element is guided
through both brackets and a compression spring is arranged between
the brackets. The compression spring then retains the two brackets
and thus the first part and the second part of the clamp band with
a certain distance to one another, such that it is easier for the
technician to guide the profile clamp over the projections or coned
flanges on the pipe ends in an untightened state. The compression
spring can, however, be compressed during tightening such that it
does not impede the tightening.
[0023] Here, it is preferred that the compression spring interacts
with alignment geometries on the brackets. For this purpose, the
compression spring can, at least on its ends, for example have a
cross section of the type of a polygon which enters accordingly
into recesses of the type of a polygon on the brackets. For
example, each bracket can have a square or rectangular cavity.
Through these alignment geometries, it is ensured that, even in the
unmounted state, the first part and the second part have a
predefined alignment to one another. This facilitates the
mounting.
[0024] The invention also provides for a profile clamp comprising a
first part having a base and flanks and a second part having a base
and flanks. A tensioning device is configured to connect ends of
the first and second parts to one another. The first connection
geometry is arranged on at least one of the flanks of the first
part. A second connection geometry is arranged on at least one of
the flanks of the second part. The first connection geometry and
the second connection geometry are engagable with one another.
[0025] Each flank of the first part can comprises the first
connection geometry and each flank of the second part can comprises
the second connection geometry.
[0026] The first connection geometry can have a configuration that
is identical to the second connection geometry.
[0027] The base of the first part and the base of the second part
can have ends that one of: bear against one another when the clamp
is in a mounted state, are spaced from each other via have a gap,
and are spaced apart by a gap that is no more than a radial
thickness of the base.
[0028] The first and second connection geometries can be arranged
only in said flanks.
[0029] The first connection geometry can have a recess that opens
radially outwardly so as to engage with a portion of the second
connection geometry.
[0030] The first connection geometry may further comprise a
projection facing radially outwardly and being coupled to, in a
circumferential direction, the recess.
[0031] The second connection geometry can have a recess that opens
radially outwardly so as to engage with a portion of the first
connection geometry.
[0032] The second connection geometry may further comprise a
projection facing radially outwardly and being coupled to, in a
circumferential direction, the recess.
[0033] The tensioning device may be structured and arranged to
allow radial movement of the first and second parts by an amount
that is sufficient to allow for engagement between the first and
second connection geometries.
[0034] The ends of first and second parts each comprise a bracket,
and wherein the tensioning device may further comprise a tensioning
element that can extend through the brackets and a compression
spring is arranged between the brackets.
[0035] The compression spring may be sized and configured to align
the brackets with one another.
[0036] The invention also provides for a method of connecting
together two pipe ends comprising arranging the profile clamp of
claim 1 over ends of the pipes, engaging with one another the first
and second connection geometries, and tightening the profile
clamp.
[0037] The invention also provides for a profile clamp comprising a
first C-shaped clamping section having a base and flanks and a
second C-shaped clamping section having a base and flanks. A
tensioning element is configured to connect ends of the first and
second parts to one another. A first connection geometry is
arranged on at least one of the flanks of the first part and being
located on an opposite end of the first part. A second connection
geometry is arranged on at least one of the flanks of the second
part and being located on an opposite end of the second part. The
first connection geometry and the second connection geometry are
releasably engagable with one another.
[0038] Each flank of the first part may comprise the first
connection geometry and each flank of the second part may comprise
the second connection geometry.
[0039] The first connection geometry may have a configuration that
is identical to the second connection geometry.
[0040] The base of the first part and the base of the second part
may have ends that one of bear against one another when the clamp
is in a mounted state, are spaced from each other via have a gap,
and are spaced apart by a gap that is no more than a radial
thickness of the base.
[0041] The first and second connection geometries may be arranged
only in said flanks.
[0042] The first connection geometry may have a recess that opens
radially outwardly so as to engage with a portion of the second
connection geometry.
[0043] The invention also provides for a method of connecting
together two pipe ends comprising arranging the profile clamp of
claim 14 over ends of the pipes, engaging with one another the
first and second connection geometries, and tightening the profile
clamp.
[0044] Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present
invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure
and the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] The present invention is further described in the detailed
description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of
drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments
of the present invention, in which like reference numerals
represent similar parts throughout the several views of the
drawings, and wherein:
[0046] FIG. 1 shows a profile clamp in an unmounted state;
[0047] FIG. 2 shows a profile clamp in a mounted state; and
[0048] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of III-III according to FIG.
2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0049] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the
present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing
what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood
description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present
invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural
details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary
for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the
description taken with the drawings making apparent to those
skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention
may be embodied in practice.
[0050] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, there is shows a profile
clamp 1 that utilizes a clamp band having a base 2 and two flanks
3, 4 facing radially inwards. The flanks 3, 4 are arranged to
oppose and sloped away from one another, such that they roughly
form the shape of a trapezoid in cross-section (see FIG. 3). A
profile clamp 1 of this type can be used, for example, to form a
so-called coned flange connection.
[0051] In a coned flange connection as shown in FIG. 3, two pipes
5, 6 can be connected to one another which have respectively
projections 7, 8 facing radially outwards. The projections 7, 8
have on their back sides (pointing away from one another) conically
sloped contact surfaces 9, 10, on which the two flanks 3, 4 of the
profile clamp 1 can engage or contact. When the profile clamp 1 is
tightened, then the clamp band is reduced in diameter such that the
base 2 increasingly moves toward or approaches the projections 7,
8. During this tightening movement, the flanks 3, 4 intensify their
pressure on the contact surfaces 9, 10, such that the projections
7, 8 are forced against one another by a predetermined tension
force.
[0052] In another embodiment, the projections 7, 8 can be embodied
in a solid manner and can be, on their front faces facing one
another, aligned perpendicularly to an axis of the pipes 5, 6. The
use or operation of the profile clamp 1 would be analogous.
[0053] Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, one should appreciate that
prior to the mounting, the profile clamp 1 must be able to be
opened far enough so that the flanks 3, 4 can be guided past the
projections 7, 8.
[0054] Achieving this in a simple manner can occur because the
profile clamp I has a first part 1 I and a second part 12. The
first part 11 and the second part 12 are connected to one another
by a tensioning device 13. In the present case, the tensioning
device can have the form of a screw 14 which is guided through a
first bracket 15 on the first part and a second bracket 16 on the
second part. The screw 14 is connected to an inside thread in the
bracket 15. An additional nut, which bears against the bracket 15
of the first part 11 from the outside, can, however, also
alternatively or additionally be provided.
[0055] The first part 11 has a first connection geometry 17 which
is arranged roughly diametrically opposed to the tensioning device
13. The second part 12 similarly has a second connection geometry
18 which is likewise arranged roughly diametrically opposed to the
tensioning device 13.
[0056] The first connection geometry 17 is exclusively arranged in
the two flanks 3, 4 of the first part 11, and therefore is not
arranged in the base 2 of the first part 11. The base 2 of the
first part 11 can thus be made continuous.
[0057] The second connection geometry 18 is likewise only arranged
in the flanks 3, 4 of the second part 12. The base 2 of the second
part 12 is therefore also made continuous, unchanged, unmodified or
preserved.
[0058] In both the first part 11 and also in the second part 12,
the connection geometries 17, 18 in the flanks 3, 4 can be embodied
with identical configurations. This is apparent when one compares
the connection geometries 17, 18 in the flank 3 shown FIG. 1 with
the configuration shown in FIG. 2 showing the connection geometries
17, 18 of the other flank 4.
[0059] The first connection geometry 17 has a recess 19 opening
radially outwards, to which a projection 20 facing radially
outwards is attached in a circumferential direction. The
transitions between the flank 3, the recess 19 and the projection
20 can be embodied in a rounded manner, that is, sharp edges are
avoided or not utilized.
[0060] The second connection geometry 18 similarly has a recess 21
opening radially inwards, to which a projection 22 facing radially
inwards is attached in a circumferential direction.
[0061] The two connection geometries 17, 18 are matched to one
another, that is, the projection 20 on the first part 11 fits
exactly into the recess 21 on the second part 12, and the
projection 22 on the second part 12 fits exactly into the recess 19
on the first part 11.
[0062] When the two parts 11, 12 have been placed around the pipes
5, 6, an engagement between the two connection geometries 17, 18
can be formed by a relatively simple movement. This movement
involves moving the projection 22 on the second part 12 over the
recess 19 on the first part 11 and then moving the second part 12
radially with respect to the first part 11 such that the projection
22 can enter into the recess 19. In this movement, the projection
20 then simultaneously enters into the recess 21.
[0063] A radial movement of this type between the two parts 11, 12
of the profile clamp 1 is possible because the tensioning device 13
permits this movement. For this purpose, it is only necessary that,
for example, the bracket 16 arranged on the second part include a
slotted hole opening that receives therein the screw 14.
[0064] Once the two connection geometries 17, 18 have been engaged
with one another, there results a situation as it is illustrated in
FIG. 2--which provides for a completely mounted profile clamp 1. It
can easily be recognized that the projection 22 has entered into
the recess 19 and the projection 20 into the recess 21.
[0065] Once the engagement has been produced and the two flanks 3,
4 have come to bear against the contact surfaces 9, 10 of the
projections 7, 8, the engagement between the two connection
geometries 17, 18 can essentially no longer be released without
difficulty. A movement of the two parts 11, 12 relative to one
another in an axial direction of the pipes 5, 6 is not possible,
because such movement is prevented by the projections 7, 8.
Accordingly, the two connection geometries 17, 18 in the flanks 3,
4 of the two parts 11, 12 cannot be and/or are prevented from being
disengaged in an axial direction.
[0066] Once the profile clamp 1 is tightened, further movement of
the two parts 11, 12 in a radial direction is also no longer
possible such that, in this manner, the engagement of the two
connection geometries 17, 18 can likewise no longer be
released.
[0067] As it is, the engagement also cannot be released in a
circumferential direction. Here, the engagement is embodied such
that it can accommodate the forces occurring during the tightening
between the two parts 11, 12 without difficulty.
[0068] In the mounted state, there results between the two parts
11, 12 of the profile clamp a point of impact 23, in which the base
2 of the part 11 is arranged very tightly on or against the base 2
of the part 12. In the ideal case, there results here a light
contact. However, a small gap is also permissible which favorably
should not be larger in a circumferential direction than the
thickness of the base 2 in a radial direction. Accordingly, there
is essentially no region on which the projections 7, 8 are not
covered by the base 2 in a circumferential direction,--if the
region of the tensioning device 13 can be disregarded. Accordingly,
any heat radiation in a circumferential direction can, for example,
be kept very uniform.
[0069] A compression spring 24 can optionally be arranged between
the two brackets 15, 16. As long as the two connection geometries
17, 18 have not been engaged with one another, the compression
spring 24 can retain the two parts 11, 12 at a certain distance
from one another.
[0070] The compression spring 24 interacts with alignment
geometries on the brackets 15, 16 such that the two parts 11, 12
are retained in a predetermined alignment relative to one another.
This alignment can of course be released when external forces are
removed.
[0071] The alignment geometries can be produced in a simple manner,
for example, by utilizing a compression spring 24 that has on its
ends a particular geometry, for example, a polygon, in particular a
rectangle, and the brackets 15, 16 can have on their ends facing
one another a correspondingly embodied geometry, for example a
recess of the type that is comparable to the polygon, into which
the compression spring 24 enters. Other possibilities for the
alignment of the two parts 11, 12 of the profile clamp are, of
course, possible.
[0072] The two brackets 15, 16 also have on their radially outer
ends stops 25, 26 which, n the tightened state of the profile clamp
1 shown in FIG. 2 can come to bear against one another and provide
an indication that a tightened state has been achieved.
[0073] It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided
merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be
construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present
invention has been described with reference to an exemplary
embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used
herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words
of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the
appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its
aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein
with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the
present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars
disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all
functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *